Megadeth
Youthanasia

THE REVIEW

Criticized by fans but praised by critics.
A play on words that captures the essence of the arrival of Youthanasia.

Released (without being washed though...) back in Halloween of 1994, the album follows a slightly less speed line than its predecessors.
Mustaine had already recreated a slower, heavier sound starting with “Countdown to Extinction,” trying to counter the grunge wave that was dominating the music scene at the time. This album is indeed the continuation of the “anti-grunge war,” resulting in a more elaborated sound.
The more traditional fans, the true “defenders,” were a bit disappointed as they expected the band's sixth work to be some sort of sacred return to the speeds of “Rust in Peace” or at least something approaching the initial raw speed metal. The critics in general and other bands, on the other hand, acclaimed the album, especially for the context, praising Dave, who leads the stellar ‘Deth line-up, with mister Friedman on the six strings, Ellefson on bass, and drummer Menza.

The album is fluid and easy to listen to, yet musically complex at the same time. The influences present are moderately relevant to hard rock but never neglect the thrash spirit. The sound is always that of Mustaine's home, with guitars reigning over the scene and an impeccable rhythmic base, though not threatening from the double pedal's point of view.
The founder of the thrash metal band is the undisputed protagonist of the CD: with his unmistakable voice and extraordinary guitar skills, he perfectly assumes the role of frontman, creating sharp and explicit solos and riffs together with Marty’s genius, while also following a more classic metal sound.

Opening the dances is “Reckoning Day”, which thunders and almost never stops, confirming itself as one of the most beautiful and driven songs on the album. From the distorted “Train of Consequences”, the album’s prevailing style begins to emerge: presumptuous, scratchy, and scorching! “The Killing Road” along with the flamboyant “Family Tree” and the semi-ballad “A Tout le Monde” complete the frame of the most interesting tracks.
The remaining episodes provide additional proof of the band’s skill and mastery in delivering excellent music and conclude a good album, produced by Mustaine. The wit, sarcasm, irreverence, and critique all encapsulated in a metal album, as only Megadeth can do.